Conference chairman´s message

It is argued that effective systems integration embodies four critical steps: process characterization; reengineering and simplification of processes with a system perspective; convergence on a common data language and common system architecture; and automation of the processes and systems. It is pointed out that there is almost always a reluctance to change on the part of an in-place infrastructure. This reluctance is in part due to fear of failing if a major system overhaul is undertaken. If the establishment prevails, as in most cases, projects aimed at incremental marginal improvement are undertaken and feasible opportunities for significant improvement through major process reengineering are missed.<>